What Causes Androgenetic Alopecia?

Aug 09, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wan

Introduction

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is caused by multiple factors. It is a polygenic, androgen-dependent, autosomal dominant disorder with variable expression. Elevated androgen levels in males constitute the primary cause of hair loss. Psychological factors—such as mental stress, sleep deprivation, and emotional stimuli—as well as excessive consumption of fried foods, high-fat foods, and high-sugar foods may also contribute to androgen-related hair loss in men.

After experiencing hair loss, you visited a hospital and were diagnosed by a physician with androgenetic alopecia. What causes androgenetic alopecia?

What Causes Androgenetic Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia results from multiple contributing factors. It is a polygenic, androgen-dependent, autosomal dominant disorder with variable expression. Elevated levels of androgens in males constitute the primary cause of hair loss. Psychological factors—including mental stress, sleep deprivation, and emotional trauma—can also contribute. Additionally, excessive consumption of fried foods, high-fat, and high-sugar diets may exacerbate androgenetic alopecia.

Patients with androgenetic alopecia typically present with fine, soft hair and seborrheic dermatitis. Excessive sebum production on the scalp leads to increased dandruff, oiliness, and pruritus. In cases driven by androgens, the entire scalp may become erythematous and develop yellowish crusts. As dandruff accumulates, the scalp gradually becomes itchy, hair loses pigment (appearing dull or grayish), and shedding intensifies.

Androgenetic alopecia is also influenced by dietary habits, occupational stress, and lifestyle factors such as irregular sleep patterns. Frequent intake of meats, fish, and coarse grains may promote excessive sebum secretion, thereby increasing scalp oiliness and impairing nutrient absorption by hair follicles. Moreover, oleic acid and linoleic acid present in sebum exert toxic effects on hair follicles, potentially causing follicular damage, miniaturization, and eventual hair loss—or accelerating its progression. We hope this information proves helpful!

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Can male pattern baldness be cured?

Clinically, androgenetic alopecia can only be controlled—not cured. Male-pattern hair loss is caused by excessive secretion of androgens in the body or, alternatively, by an individual’s heightened sensitivity to androgens due to constitutional factors. This condition can be treated with topical minoxidil tincture combined with oral finasteride tablets.

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What Is Androgenetic Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia refers to hair loss occurring at the crown and vertex of the scalp, caused by elevated levels of androgens in the body, leading to increased conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It commonly affects men with high testosterone levels. The human body produces an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), also known as a male sex hormone. Androgens—also termed testosterone—can be converted into DHT by an enzyme present in the body when androgen levels are elevated.

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Differences Between Androgenetic Alopecia and Seborrheic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic alopecia are defined differently: Seborrheic alopecia—medically termed androgenetic alopecia—is a common form of hair loss occurring during or after puberty. However, this condition is characterized by miniaturization of hair follicles and progressive hair thinning, without scarring. Notably, androgens exert distinct effects on different body regions—including the occipital and frontal scalp—as well as within the brain.

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Is seborrheic alopecia the same as androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic alopecia refer to the same condition, though the differing terminology reflects varying interpretations of the disease. In the early stages of seborrheic alopecia, hair gradually thins while scalp oil (sebum) production increases markedly. Additionally, some individuals frequently develop seborrheic dermatitis concurrently. Excessive sebum secretion leads to follicular obstruction, impairing nutrient delivery to hair follicles and thereby causing hair loss.